[Verse 1]
They wait to plead their case, unknown cast aside
I love to see their face, can we spare the lie?
Are we afraid to see them, prisoners of history
These beautiful minds, trapped inside, bring them back to life

[Refrain]
Let 'em shine, let 'em shine on
Let 'em shine, let 'em shine on

[Verse 2]
It's so dark that I see sparks, we don't snuff 'em out
We've gotta let 'em flame, let 'em speak their name
Reach up to the clouds
They can't eat if we don't feed 'em
They can't read if we don't teach 'em
There's no light if we just hide 'em
Don't just let 'em die

[Refrain]
Let 'em shine, let 'em shine on
Let 'em shine, let 'em shine on

[Bridge]
Oh, stars flicker in the distance
Lonely out in space
They sing out but we're not listening
We don't see their face
We can't let 'em die, we can't make 'em hide
All the little miracles that live inside
Let 'em shine, oh
[Refrain]
Let 'em shine, let 'em shine on
Let 'em live, let 'em shine on
Let 'em breathe, Lord, let 'em shine on
Let 'em grow, let 'em shine, on
Let 'em love, ooh, ooh
Let 'em love, ooh, ooh

[Bridge]
Hold 'em close, let 'em know
They'll get through the night
Ordinary people could be a hero
Don't put out the light

[Refrain]
Let 'em shine, let 'em shine on
Let 'em shine, let 'em shine on

[Outro]
On, on, on
Let 'em shine on